“With such a young team next fall it was important to find potential captains who had a mix of experience, personality, and a “team first” mentality,” Miller said. “Both of these young women share these characteristics. Separately they all have unique traits, but collectively have the proper mindset to motivate and move people. We had established a leadership group after last fall and Jackie and Siobhan progressively separated themselves as the ones who could lead our team. It makes our jobs as coaches so much easier when you have players like them eager to take on leadership roles and responsibilities. They constantly thirst for information that will help move our program forward, and I feel they are primed to lead us to new heights.”

A three-year starter from Lancaster, Pa., Poucel has the most experience as a leader both on and off the field. She has emerged as a defensive frontrunner starting in 46 of a total 48 games played throughout her career. Last season, Poucel played a total of 1,438 minutes and started every game. She helped secure three shutouts during the season alone. In 2012 and 2012, Poucel appeared in 30 games and notched one assist and one goal.

“Jackie brings a lot of heart, perseverance, and self-motivation to her role as captain,” Miller said. “She is an unbelievable teammate who has really taken the time to invest and deepen her relationships within the team. She is truly a caring individual who always puts the team ahead of herself. The growth we’ve seen in her over the last two years has been wonderful.”

A sophomore from Andover, Mass., McDonough is a hardworking young player who brings extreme athleticism and speed to the team. In her freshman season at Pitt, McDonough started 17 of the 19 games and lead the team with three assists and one goal.

“Siobhan, who will only be a sophomore, brings passion, self-determination, and a tireless work rate as captain,” Miller said. “Although she lacks the experience, she has earned the trust and respect of her teammates, and we felt it was necessary to have an underclassmen captain who could help bridge the gap between the seniors and so many freshmen and sophomores.”

Pitt players will report back to campus this summer to begin preparations for the 2014 regular season. The team reports for preseason workouts on Tuesday, Aug. 5. NCAA mandated practices begin on Wednesday, Aug. 6. The 2014 season will be Miller’s third as Pitt’s head coach. Pitt returns six starters and, 12 letterwinners, two players who earned medical hardship, and add a 12-member recruiting class.